3D Environment Competition 2014 Winners

We're proud to announce the 3 winners for the 2014 3D Environment Competition!

We would like to thank the judges for their dedication and enlightening comments, all sponsors for their generous contribution, the Cornucopia3D staff for their invaluable help, and of course, all participants.

Congratulations to the winners for their truly superb works!

Grand Prize Winner

Subtropic by Alen Vejzovic

"This reminds me of the stuff we did for Avatar. Great lighting, great sculpting. I just would have wished for a bit more depth in the far end."Peter Baustaedter - Visual Effects Art Director, Marco Polo Productions

"Interesting and realistic looking environment with good texturing detailing and plant coverage. One can feel the heat and humidity from the sun and atmosphere. Good integration of rock and plant growth, particularly in the distance the islands look very much like the karst formations of Southeast Asia."Paul Huston - Senior Digital Matte Artist at Industrial Light & Magic.

"I always love to find a hidden beach. It feels tranquil and lost. It almost feels real but with a hint of hyper-realism. This really shows what VUE can do. Very nice."Dark Hoffman – Senior Digital Matte Painter, The Mill

"This illustration exhibits a wealth of technical details and imagination which come together perfectly to produce a great still. The key to the success of the still is the artist's understanding of depth and light. You can almost feel the humidity!"Max Dennison - Senior Matte Painter, Double Negative TV

"Everything in this work, from the inviting tropical water to the simple but effective atmosphere, is very well done, with great attention to detail."Eran Dinur - VFX Supervisor, Brainstorm Digital

First Runner Up

Forgotten by Vishwesh Sant

"The artist has gone beyond any technicalities and created a superb image that one could easily believe. Very well done!"Max Dennison - Senior Matte Painter, Double Negative TV

"Powerful in its simplicity, this very effective image combines beauty and tension by hinting rather than revealing. We are drawn into the light and want to discover what's hidden behind those trees. Great work!"Eran Dinur - VFX Supervisor, Brainstorm Digital

"Good lighting atmosphere and mood... I would like to see a bit more development of the far background area... it is too uniform... adding depth back there would add a lot to this image. The midground is very nice with great subtle detail at the waters edge."Paul Huston - Senior Digital Matte Artist, Industrial Light & Magic.

"I love the mood and the simplicity of this piece. This demonstrates a great sense of economy and taste."Stephane Belin – Art Director, Blizzard Entertainment

Second Runner Up

Deep Jungle by Maciek Sikora

"I like the complexity of the tree roots/vines wrapping everywhere and the density of the ferns... This image has the vital and almost menacing feel of jungle. I would like to see better integration between the roots and the moss growth and rocks and a bit more suggestion of background."Paul Huston - Senior Digital Matte Artist, Industrial Light & Magic.

"Beautiful light quality! Love how natural the exposure feels and the humidity in the air."Scott Brisbane - Head of Matte Painting, Dreamworks Animation

"Nice feel of a fantasy/realistic misty forest. Would have loved to see more layers and depth through the mist past the waterfall, but the overall sense is soothing."Dark Hoffman – Senior Digital Matte Painter, The Mill